The Hidden Grievance of the Old Monk (2)
The warriors whispered among themselves.
"Huang... Yip Huang City...?" "That can't be. Why would Yip Huang City come to a place like this?" "The high monks of Shaolin were with that Ji Hyun! There's no way Yip Huang City wouldn't come!" The chaos of the dark path was laid bare.
The ruffians of the back alleys practiced low-level martial arts to become warriors, and they were merely half-baked members of the demonic sect.
At that moment, a burly man with a bald head pulled out an axe that was stuck in the table.
He seemed to have learned martial arts that matched his natural strength.
His eyes, glaring at Jeong Yeon-shin, glowed red with intoxication.
"That brat is a master from Yip Huang City? How can such a thing be a brother!" He gripped the axe handle and threw it without hesitation.
The sound of the air being torn apart was tremendous.
Heon Won-chang stood with his arms crossed, not moving an inch.
He even smiled.
Bang! Jeong Yeon-shin, in the blink of an eye, drew his sword and struck.
The axe shattered into pieces in an instant.
The impact of the Yip Huang Sword created a strong wind from his hand, scattering some of the axe fragments.
"The experience of martial arts in a sword strike...!" Heon Won-chang, who was calmly laughing beside him, exclaimed in admiration.
It seemed he recognized the first form of the Shihwa Muguk Kwon, the eclipse of Jin Byeok.
Perhaps it was because he created and used martial arts.
Jeong Yeon-shin was easily reaching a level where he could freely load experiences of different purposes.
'Yip Huang City, Gu Pa, and the Thirteen Heavens are above the clouds.' In that moment, he realized that his martial arts were in a different world compared to the ordinary regional warriors.
Compared to the Pal Hyung Na Chal Sword of the Paekumjong, it felt as insignificant as a fly.
There was no need to overlap the essence with the Shigeuk Kyeong.
The axe throw felt incredibly light.
"Was the means of conversation an axe throw?" As he moved forward, gripping his sword, the dark path warriors were taken aback.
Jeong Yeon-shin approached boldly without caring.
He could not leave the bald-headed brute alive.
That throw was clearly an attempt to kill.
He had acted so lightly that it felt as natural as flowing water.
It was different from how the Danglang faction had to welcome Jeong Yeon-shin.
There must have been many commoners who had fallen victim.
"Wait, wait, let's talk!" The man waved his hands as if he had lost the will to resist after seeing the experience of Jin Byeok.
At the same time, the Yip Huang Sword gleamed.
The long blade reflected the white light on his despairing face.
Chwaak-! The splattered blood seemed to demand an answer, vividly spreading.
The expressions of the remaining warriors changed.
After the downfall of Jeonggajang, it was said that a bloodstorm swept through the marketplace.
There was a war among the dark path factions over the local trade.
He had heard the story.
The commander of Jeonggajang had established a trading company amidst the chaos and had grown remarkably with great skill.
The main items dealt with were agricultural products, and not only were they of good quality, but he also skillfully negotiated and distributed them, quickly escaping from Sin Ya Hyun.
However, the forest and wealth of the fallen estate were the roots of the trading company.
The dark path warriors would not miss such a target.
They had blinded Ji Hyun with immense wealth and attacked the trading company, dismantling it piece by piece.
Thus, the Sin Ya Baek Mu Pa was formed.
"Damn them!" Heon Won-chang was furious.
The courtesans who were with the warriors of Sin Ya Baek Mu Pa quietly returned to their quarters.
They seemed accustomed to bloodshed.
Ji Hyun was at a loss for what to do.
"I believe you will handle it well."
"It should take a day, right?" "Since it concerns the family's land, I can help if you ask."
To the masters of Ma Gwang Ik, it was a trivial matter.
The seniors patted the head of the youngest, Jeong Yeon-shin, or patted his shoulder as they headed to the guest room.
With a calm disposition and stable martial power, Seom Ye had already gained trust within Ma Gwang Ik after two outings.
"Can I punish Ji Hyun?" "It is possible if you turn black."
Ma Jin answered Jeong Yeon-shin's question.
He continued, "You have already single-handedly destroyed the Danglang faction. You are clearly stronger than back then. The dark path faction of Sin Ya Hyun should not be difficult. Do you need more hands?" "I only need your heart."
"As for this Ji Hyun, I will sweep it clean as soon as I return. It seems a lot will come out."
Jeong Yeon-shin expressed his gratitude and took the martial authority.
As he turned around, Heon Won-chang was smiling.
"I will go with you. How can a young lad like you go on a journey alone? The name of Yip Huang Sin Hyup will not be heard."
"It's not a journey."
"How can sweeping away the dark path faction not be the work of a hero? Others are afraid of getting hurt, so they cannot do it."
"Should I add your name to the Young Do Cheok of Jeonggajang?" The Young Do Cheok was a land registry.
It was a joke about whether he would give away even a piece of land, but Heon Won-chang shook his head seriously.
"It is the law of the Sin Hyup not to receive compensation."
He seemed like an insignificant figure in Yip Huang City.
Jeong Yeon-shin had been feeling that way lately.
Perhaps Heon Won-chang was indeed a great hero worthy of being mentioned in stories.
He was also a handsome man with a bold impression.
The hero's hat on his forehead suited him perfectly.
'It just doesn't feel right.' The two headed straight to Sin Ya Baek Mu Pa.
It was not far away.
There was no need to use the lightness of Yip Huang City; they arrived quickly.
The grand old gate, resembling a small estate of a local notable, was firmly closed.
"It's a shame to cut."
Contrary to his words, Heon Won-chang had already drawn his Yip Huang Sword.
With a single step of his footwork, he spun like a north wind.
The refined energy gathered on the blade, and the sharp sound of the sword rang out as the sword strike shattered the door, while Jeong Yeon-shin stomped the ground.
Chjeojjeok-! Wooden splinters scattered in all directions, enveloped by the gust of wind around Jeong Yeon-shin.
In the wide-open view, warriors armed with various weapons appeared.
They were already prepared.
It was said that the major factions hesitated to clash with Yip Huang City.
The smaller factions were too darkened by the news to truly grasp the rumors.
They lacked the ability to understand the power dynamics.
The term "ignorant" was used for such people, as Cheong Myung had said.
Sin Ya Baek Mu Pa.
They truly appeared to be in high spirits.
"Two ignorant fools have come! I will use you as fertilizer for the forest!" A large figure stepped forward with an arrogant demeanor.
He seemed to be the leader of Sin Ya Baek Mu Pa, also known as the faction's chief.
"What are you doing! Kill them!" Jeong Yeon-shin did not stop his advance.
The blurred light streaks that arose brushed past the chief's neck.
* *
When he broke the dantian of the minions and gathered the documents related to Jeonggajang, four people crossed the threshold of Sin Ya Baek Mu Pa.
Their astonished and shocked expressions were filled with disbelief.
It seemed there were many dark path warriors groaning on the ground.
"Ah, it is already too late."
"What is this...?" Two monks and a middle-aged man in his twilight years, along with the local governor of Sin Ya Hyun.
They seemed to have heard the rumors from afar.
"You... are you not the child of Jeonggajang?" The chubby-faced governor recognized Jeong Yeon-shin.
Even if they did not frequently interact, they knew each other's faces.
The martial factions and the local governors were not separate entities.
It was common for them to assist in maintaining order when hands were lacking.
On the governor's side, they would also provide conveniences in taxes and business, creating a symbiotic relationship.
"Yip, Yip Huang City? You?" "Lord!" Behind the stammering governor stood someone who rushed forward.
"You have truly become a warrior of Yip Huang City! A blue robe in this world! It is truly a dream come true!" The middle-aged man, whose complexion brightened, was the commander of Jeonggajang.
It seemed the rumors about Ma Gwang Ik's Seom Ye had not yet reached Han Nam.
"I heard the commander has not been well."
"I was lacking in strength."
The commander smiled wryly.
Jeong Yeon-shin narrowed his eyes.
The incoming energy was different from before.
It was quite clear and heavy.
Such a change could not occur without proper study of the orthodox martial arts.
"Have you entered the orthodox faction?" "Yes. At this age, I have become a disciple of the Shaolin sect. I was fortunate. Truly, it is a grateful matter."
It was indeed astonishing.
How long would it take to express the twists and turns from losing the trading company to becoming a disciple of Shaolin? Just the complex emotions on his face would suffice.
It seemed the commander intended to use the power of Shaolin to defeat the dark path of Sin Ya.
He had felt the extraordinary nature even during the downfall of Jeonggajang.
So this person, who had been rotting in Jeonggajang, had such a background.
He introduced the old monk who had been quietly standing beside him.
"This is my master."
"I am Won Jong."
The old monk, wrapped in a yellow robe, placed his right hand on his chest.
It was a gesture of respect unique to Shaolin.
His face, looking intently at Jeong Yeon-shin, was lined with wrinkles from the passage of time.
"So it was Master Won Jong. I am Jeong Yeon-shin of Yip Huang City."
Just as Jeong Yeon-shin was about to bow, "Your hands are truly remarkable! I am Gak Jeong!" A young warrior, who had been wandering around, approached.
He was very handsome.
His well-shaped head and long ears gave an impression of virtue.
A renowned warrior of the Shaolin sect.
Before they could converse, it was easy to tell he was not of elder age.
The name of the small god monk, Gak Jeong, was already famous.
He was one of the eighteen Arhats of the Great Shaolin Temple and a master of Shaolin martial arts.
He was not an ordinary late-stage practitioner.
"Master, may I speak with this person?" "Do as you wish. But before that..."
Master Won Jong looked at Jeong Yeon-shin with a bored expression.
"Do you have any connection with our temple?" "Today is the first time I have met the masters of Shaolin."
"Yet your body is quite remarkable. It is well refined as if you have practiced the Yi Geun Gyeong."
The Yi Geun Gyeong, a martial art known to almost all martial artists, was widely recognized.
It was said to have been created by the Great Master Bodhidharma to refine the bodies and internal energy of monks.
It was said that the seventy-two techniques of Shaolin began with the Yi Geun Gyeong and returned to it.
The commander's eyes widened, as did Gak Jeong's.
"Now that I think about it..."
Gak Jeong's words trailed off as he scanned Jeong Yeon-shin's physique.
The commander stood silently with a face full of admiration.
Even though he knew that Jeong Yeon-shin had spent nearly ten years honing his body with Jeongga Donggong, he remained silent.
"Young hero Jeong, I do not think you have stolen the techniques of our temple. That is impossible."
Gak Jeong spoke.
"However, a good thought has come to mind. I know that your hands are quite reasonable from a secular perspective. However, from the viewpoint of someone who has only cultivated martial arts and Buddhism in the mountain temple, it seems a bit excessive. It is certain that you will become one of the top masters in the world, so I cannot help but worry."
"What do you wish to say?" "A warrior speaks through martial arts. I have practiced the Iron Sand Palm and Yi Geun Gyeong among the external techniques of the seventy-two techniques. Although Yi Geun Gyeong also encompasses internal energy, it seems you have also cultivated internal energy to refine your body. How about accepting the request of someone who has surpassed the achievements of the physical body? If you agree, I will give you this."
Gak Jeong took out a small box from his robe.
As the scent of herbs wafted through the air, a small pill was revealed.
"This is the Myeongjeongdan. I have conveyed the secret technique of my clan to the main temple's Medicine King Hall to create it."
"Myeongjeongdan!" Heon Won-chang, who had been watching with a frown, exclaimed.
He had just come out after rummaging through the treasures to distribute to the commoners.
Although the fame of the Great Hwan Dan and the Small Hwan Dan spread throughout the world, recently, the Myeongjeongdan of Shaolin had also made a name for itself.
It was said to heal injured energy and blood in an instant.
It was due to the combination of the medical skills of the Shaolin Medicine King Hall and the techniques of the noble clans. 'I heard it is quite a precious medicine.' Even if one sustained internal injuries, they could immediately fight again.
Was this the fairness of Shaolin?
Even when trying to teach, the cautious manner of offering the medicine first was impressive.
It would be hard to find such behavior in other martial factions.
Jeong Yeon-shin gazed into Gak Jeong's clear eyes and nodded.
As he accepted the small box, Gak Jeong smiled.
"Master Gak Jeong is giving a gift. I will do my best."
"Haha! Thank you for accepting my concern. And it might be a possibility. You may need to take that medicine right away."
It was an interesting provocation.
It meant that he might sustain internal injuries while competing with him using external techniques.
Considering the powerful martial arts of Shaolin and the reputation of the small god monk, it was entirely plausible.
"What is your request?" "If I win, you must listen to my lecture on the Dharma." "...?" "Well, did you think I would ask you to shave your head and become a disciple of the main temple?" As Gak Jeong began to loosen his limbs, he appeared to be a peculiar character to Jeong Yeon-shin.
The pride of a martial artist intertwined with the detachment of a Buddhist disciple, creating a strange personality.
It did not feel bad.
"Let us begin."
"Good."
As Jeong Yeon-shin took his stance, he instinctively understood.
If they both used their internal energy, he would still fall far short of the small god monk Gak Jeong.
However, in terms of physical training, it was different.
He had achieved great success by training solely in Jeongga Donggong for a long time.
He felt it was worth a try.
Kwak! As the martial arts match began, a dazzling array of strikes poured forth.
Fists and legs struck his entire body in various trajectories.
Only Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes moved according to his will.
He absorbed the essence of Shaolin's martial arts one by one.
Pararak! Puck! The punch that struck his shoulder was not light.
Even without the essence, powerful martial arts were unleashed from Gak Jeong's body.
For twenty exchanges, Jeong Yeon-shin did not even manage to counter effectively.
Then, suddenly, Gak Jeong's robe fluttered with a decisive movement.
For a moment, he lunged forward with both feet, striking in a straight line.
It seemed to be the Dragon Fist, one of the five famous fists of Shaolin.
Puhak-! The explosive punch erupted from his solar plexus.
Was it a martial art that embodied a dragon rising with a human body? Even without internal energy, a cloud of dust rose violently.
It felt as if he had struck to kill.
"Hmm?" Instead, Gak Jeong was pushed back.
The footprints pressed deep into the dirt.
Jeong Yeon-shin stood calmly with a serene expression.
He remained in the same spot where he had planted his feet when the match began.
"...?" "Have you finished, monk?" He quietly asked.